How to Get a Japanese License
How the
provisional license
A provisional license is a license for on-road training. After finishing Stage 1 at driving school, you obtain it by passing both the completion test (skills) and the provisional written test.
🔰 Two hurdles to obtain a provisional license
Completion test (skills)
Conducted on the driving school's closed course. Pass with 70 points or more out of 100.
Provisional written test
True/false format, 50 questions, 30-minute time limit. Pass with 45 points or more (90%) out of 50.
✅ Key points to remember
Both required for license issuance
Only after passing both the completion test and the provisional written test is the provisional license issued, allowing you to move to Stage 2 (on-road training).
Provisional license is valid for 6 months
You must complete on-road training, the graduation test, and the full license test within that period.
On-road practice has rules
When practicing on public roads with a provisional license, you must display a "provisional license practice" sign and have a qualified person accompanying you.
FAQ
What is the passing score for the provisional written test?
You pass with 45 points or more (90%) out of 50 true/false questions. Time limit is 30 minutes. The test covers less material than the full license test, but the 90% requirement means you cannot be careless.
What happens if you fail the completion test?
You retake it on another day. Depending on the driving school, you may need additional skills lessons, which will extend the time and cost.
What is the validity period of a provisional license?
6 months. It expires after the deadline, so plan to complete on-road training and the full license test within that period.
How are a provisional license and a full license different?
A provisional license is a temporary license for practicing on the road for training and testing, and requires a qualified person to accompany you. A full license is an official license that lets you drive on public roads alone. You progress in this order: provisional written test (50 questions) → on-road training → graduation test → full license written test (95 questions).
The provisional written test is 50 true/false questions. MenkyoQuest's provisional practice test (50 questions, 30 minutes) lets you practice in the same format as the real test. Experience the 90% passing line beforehand.
If you come across an unfamiliar term, check the 📖 glossary for full definitions.
Last updated 2026-06-04. Costs, durations, and rules vary by driving school and season. Always confirm the latest conditions with each school's or prefecture's official information.